It was 7:30 in the morning and we'd just arrived at Louise Mckinney Park. The space was empty and quiet - soon to be filled, we hoped, with hundreds of yogis and yoginis breathing and sweating together.

We had no idea what to expect. We had spent a lot of time in our community sharing our vision for this event, but would it come to fruition? No one could be sure. We thought about our lululemon counterparts across the prairies region in Calgary, Banff and Winnipeg, who were likely setting up for their event in that same moment. We vibed them some love and positive energy and then we got down to business!

In a flurry of lululemon madness, we buzzed around like bees in a hive laying down mats, colouring with chalk, hanging balloons, organizing registration and waiting with anticipation. Pete the DJ started spinning the tunes. And then it happened… like waves in the ocean, the people began to roll it. Just a few at first, and then a steady flow of guests known and unknown came to be and to breathe.

Our Earth Water friends arrived with water to share, inspiring us with their mandate, 'water for water'. Each Edmonton store donated to Earth Water, enough that one well will be built in a third world country for those people who do not have access to clean drinking water.

At Louise Mckinney park we drank as much fresh water was we could to flush unwanted toxins from our bodies and keep our brains sharp. Water for water – how cool is that?!

Our perfect moment arrived. Under the smiling sun and bright blue sky, Bob Marley let out his famous cry "one love…" and the class began. There was nothing else to do but breathe, stretch and be together.

Angela Zawada spoke powerfully about yoga, leading a beautiful class. We flowed through the asanas under an open sky, breathing together with one breath. It is not very often that one gets to do yoga surrounded by green trees, bumble bees and the North Saskatchewan River. As we lay in our final rest pose, a feeling of serenity descended over three hundred plus people, a perfect end to an amazing class. Namaste.

Getting down and dirty in yoga class is admirable – getting off your mat and practicing outdoors is extraordinary. Taking yoga outdoors stimulates the senses and heightens physical awareness. I have found hiking yoga to be one of the most invigorating and spiritual activities.

Without breath, you are not doing yoga. So why not breathe deeply while hiking and explore the possibilities of connecting to the earth. Groups across the country are offering hiking yoga classes/guides that are specific to the geographic area. Eric Kipp in San Francisco leads urban Hiking Yoga groups that focus on breath and engaging the core. Eric takes you inside the romantic hidden spots of the city while stopping after every huge hill to do a relaxing warrior or triangle pose.

The beauty of nature, like being next to a campfire, immediately inspires you to emerge from your safe zone. Hiking with a group promotes rich social interaction and human connection. I have found the shared experience to be rewarding and quite awakening to my bodies capabilities.

Above: Vanessa, escapes the city and heads to Tofino (Vancouver Island) for an oceanside hike and yoga experience. She's keeping warm in our Remix lulu hoodie.